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Our Efforts At Resetting Education In Edo have Yielded Fruits, Obaseki Boasts

Published

3 years ago

August 24, 2023

Editor

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has said his administration’s efforts in resetting education in the State have yielded positive fruits with visible evidence to show.

Obaseki said this while delivering his welcome address as the College Visitor at the maiden matriculation ceremony of the Edo College of Education, in Igueben Local Government Area of the State.

The governor said, “We decided to reset education because of the critical and important role that it plays in our lives as individuals and as a nation. That reset button means we have to look at education afresh from the beginning, from the very basic level which is the foundation to the tertiary institution level.

“There was a lot of rancour in the beginning. We shut down many of the schools because we felt they were not doing what they were set out to do in the first place. We changed the laws setting most of them up as we didn’t see the need to have several schools doing the same thing in an uncoordinated manner.

“We decided to look holistically at education in Edo State and thank God for the courage to take those bold moves. Today, what have we achieved? First, we have looked at the entire spectrum, the ecosystem, and certain key pillars which we believe that the pillars will rest.

“Without a foundation, nothing can be built as such we focused on the foundation of education, which is basic education. We quickly realised that for basic education to work and for children to learn, you have to focus on the teachers. Focusing on the teachers meant motivating and giving them tools to work, particularly technology. The key to that is ensuring that you have an institution where you properly train these teachers. That is why the College of Education is key to our education reforms.”

Speaking on the effort made by his government to revamp College of Education in the state, he disclosed that the government decided to create the multi campuses system to allow for accelerated growth and effective management system as well as create room for more students to be given the opportunity to realise their dream of becoming professional and well trained teachers, noting that the teaching profession in Edo has been totally transformed.

Obaseki added, “ We pressed a reset button, shut down the College, and restarted as one College of Education with the headquarters in Igueben.”

To the matriculating students, Obaseki said, “You are the first intake into this College and you are the first matriculating students today. This is why I have taken time out of my busy schedule to wish you well and let you know you are the pioneers of something new, the future that will transform Edo State.

“This matriculation is not only a transformative occasion of your life but also a transformative occasion for education in Edo State. I am glad that I am here to see what is going on.”

Reassuring sustained investment in the Institution, the governor further noted, “A lot of investment still needs to be made on this campus and I am assuring you that I will make those investments. We started with Abudu and the refurbishment is complete and this will be the next Campus. The infrastructure in this campus will be upgraded, particularly accommodation for staff and students.

“My presence here today means that I take the school and what we are doing here very seriously. Rest assured you have my support as I continue to be governor. To also make sure that the person who succeeds me continues to focus and strengthen education in Edo State.”

The Commissioner for Education, Dr. Joan Osa Oviawe, said the Obaseki-led administration has completely revamped the teaching profession in the State, making it more attractive for qualified people.

“I thank Governor Obaseki for the reforms and rebirth of education in Edo State which started in 2017. He came here several times to understand and figure out how to educate and produce professional teachers in Edo State.

“Through his works, vision and commitment, the governor has restored the pride of the teaching profession which is now for polished, educated, reformed and refined men and women. You are all here because teaching is your first option.”

She added, “The College is to reposition the profession of teaching, find and recruit the best in the system. The vision of the governor is that by the time you are graduating you will have a job in one of our schools and also by the time you are graduating, you are technically vibrant.”

Earlier in her welcome address, the Acting Provost of the Edo State College of Education, Igueben Campus, Prof. (Mrs.) Roseline Osagie, said, “The College in partnership with the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria has started the process of offering a one-year Professional Diploma in Education (PDE) especially for the Edo Supporting Teachers to Achieve Results (EdoSTAR) teaching fellows.”

Also, the Enogie of Igueben and Okaigun of Esanland, HRH Ehizogie Eluojierior I, commended the governor for his transformation of the education sector in Edo State, adding, “Obaseki has visited here more than three times as we have governors who have never visited Igueben once. Obaseki is a lover of education and the education sector has benefited from it. We thank him for the school, the competent staff and appeal to him to upgrade the facilities here as he activates his machinery to make this a reality.”

News

NiMet Warns Of Flash Flooding In 19 States

Published

15 hours ago

May 8, 2026

Editor

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has warned that 19 states across the country may experience flash flooding.

In an advisory issued yesterday, NiMet said increased surface runoff and flash flooding could occur during heavy early rains due to dry and hardened soils that prevent water from properly soaking into the ground.

The agency listed the states likely to be affected as Zamfara, Nasarawa, Kwara, Oyo, Lagos, Ogun, Ekiti, Delta, Imo, Anambra, Enugu, Ebonyi, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Rivers, Edo, Ondo, and Bayelsa.

NiMet said the possible impacts include flooded roads, traffic disruption, damage to homes, farmlands, and infrastructure, blocked drainage systems, power outages, telecommunication disruptions, and increased risks of injuries and water-borne diseases.

The agency advised residents to clear blocked drainage and stay updated with weather and flood alerts.

NiMet also cautioned motorists and pedestrians against driving or walking through flooded areas.

The agency asked relevant authorities and stakeholders to strengthen coordination, preparedness, and emergency response measures to reduce flood-related risks.

“An informed community is a prepared community. Know the risks and act early,” the advisory read.

The Federal Government had warned that 14,118 communities in 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are at risk of severe flooding in 2026.

The states include Abia, Adamawa, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Enugu, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, and Kano.

Others are Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe, and Zamfara, and the FCT.

Meanwhile, Nimet and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) have intensified efforts to improve disaster management in the country with plans to develop a national early warning system roadmap.

The move was announced yesterday during a courtesy visit by the Director General of NEMA, Zubaida Umar, to the Director General of NiMet, Charles Anosike, at the NiMet headquarters in Abuja.

Mrs Umar applauded NiMet for the timely release of the 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction and its consistent weather forecasts, noting that the agency had recorded significant improvements under Prof. Anosike’s leadership.

News

‘Nothing New’ – Wike Defends Houses For Judges, Dismisses NBA Criticism

Published

16 hours ago

May 8, 2026

Editor

Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Minister, Nyesom Wike, on Friday defended the construction of houses for judges and justices in Abuja, dismissing concerns that the projects could compromise the independence of the judiciary.

Wike spoke after inspecting ongoing judicial infrastructure projects, including judges’ residences, the Court of Appeal Abuja Division and proposed residential projects for judges of the Industrial Court and the Code of Conduct Tribunal.

The minister’s remarks followed criticisms reportedly raised by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) over executive involvement in the provision of infrastructure for the judiciary.

Rejecting the concerns, Wike argued that government provision of facilities for judicial officers was neither new nor a threat to judicial autonomy.

He said: “The mere fact that the executive constructs buildings does not mean it will interfere with the judiciary.

“We have built public houses for the National Assembly and for the judiciary before. The Supreme Court was built by government. So there is nothing new in this.”

Wike accused the NBA leadership of inconsistency, alleging that the association frequently sought financial support from state governments for its conferences and activities while criticising government interventions in the judiciary.

“All they are interested in is when state governments will sponsor NBA activities. If governments fund their conferences, does that mean they are no longer independent?” he queried.

He maintained that the FCT Administration would not be distracted from implementing projects designed to improve the welfare and working conditions of judges and justices.

“This is a voluntary act by government to make judicial officers comfortable and focused on their work. It is not done to erode judicial independence,” the minister added.

Wike said the projects formed part of activities lined up to mark President Bola Tinubu’s third anniversary in office.

He expressed satisfaction with the completion level of the judges’ quarters, describing the project as well executed and nearly ready for inauguration.

“We’ve seen the judges’ quarters beautiful. I’m very elated that the job was done well. The houses are well furnished and almost 99 per cent ready,” he stated.

The minister also disclosed that preparations had begun for the groundbreaking ceremony of residences for judges of the Industrial Court and the Code of Conduct Tribunal.

However, he expressed dissatisfaction with aspects of the finishing at the Court of Appeal Abuja Division project, despite its advanced stage of completion.

“Almost 90 per cent complete, but I must say it’s not the quality I expected. I have told the contractor that several errors must be corrected before inauguration,” he said.

Wike assured that the administration would continue monitoring contractors to ensure all projects are delivered according to specification and within schedule.

“All the promises that have been made, we are going to fulfil them. That is why we are going around to inspect and ensure contractors are ready,” he added.

News

LASG Fixes Dates For Public Service Exams, Releases CBT Guidelines

Published

1 day ago

May 7, 2026

Editor

The Lagos State Government, through the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education and the Lagos State Examinations Board, has released the timetable and guidelines for the 2026 Public Service Examinations.

In a statement by the Lagos State Government, the announcement, which aligns with a prior circular from the Head of Service with Ref No: CIR/HOS/’26/005 dated January 21, 2026, sets out key instructions for candidates preparing for the exercise.

The examinations will hold between Tuesday, May 12 and Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at the Lagos State Public Service Staff Development Centre (PSSDC), Magodo, Lagos.

They include the Compulsory Examination for all cadres in the State Public Service, the Combined Confirmation/Promotion Examination for Clerical Officers II (CO II) and Clerical Assistants (CA), as well as the External Secretarial Examination.

According to the board, candidates are expected to begin printing their examination slips from Tuesday, May 5, 2026, through the official portal using their registration login details.

The slip will contain key information such as each candidate’s exam date and time.

“All candidates are required to present valid identification at the examination centre. Acceptable forms of identification include Staff Identity Cards, National Identification Number (NIN) slips, and Lagos State Residents Registration Agency (LASRRA) cards,” the statement said.

Candidates are also required to bring printed copies of their examination slips to the venue and must strictly follow the date and time allocated to them.

The board further advised candidates to acquaint themselves with basic computer skills ahead of the exercise, as the examinations will be conducted using a Computer-Based Test, CBT, format.

It also warned that dressing must be formal, adding that inappropriate dressing will not be allowed at the examination centre.

Candidates were urged to comply fully with all instructions to ensure a smooth and orderly process.

“The Lagos State Examinations Board urges all candidates to comply fully with these guidelines to ensure a smooth and orderly examination process,” the statement added.